Your choice for low cost new & used shipping containers and site accommodation to the trade and public.

Universal Container Services Ltd is one of the country’s leading suppliers of new and used shipping containers, site offices and welfare units. We are also a market leader when it comes to shipping container conversions as well as a range of other services. Based in the North West of England in Manchester we offer over 50 years of experience and knowledge when it comes to shipping containers. Whether you are looking to buy or hire, Universal containers are your one stop shop for all of your shipping container needs.

Our extensive range of ISO shipping containers can be used as standard storage and transport options or redesigned and styled to your needs by our container conversion experts. Our high quality products are open to both the trade and general public usage and we are confident we can fulfil your requirements with the right solution and service package.

In addition to our wide range of shipping container services at our 11 acre Manchester head office site we offer market leading self-storage solutions. Whatever you need to store we have a solution for you that ensures your items stay dry, clean and secure.

For more information on any of our services contact us today to speak with one of our container experts.

Shipping Containers For Sale and Hire

Universal Containers offer the country’s most complete range of shipping containers for use as storage units, work spaces and so much more. Vandal and theft-proof, we provide the most comprehensive and flexible solution to meet your container needs. Whether you need a long or short-term solution for additional work or storage space Universal containers have you covered.

From 8ft to 40ft we design, supply and fit shipping containers, cabins and workspaces exactly to meet our customers’ exact needs. Here at Universal Containers we are renowned for our attention to detail and take on board customer needs to ensure they get the perfect solution at the best price possible.

Over the last 20 years we have supplied specialist ISO shipping container units for chemical storage, as well as bespoke office spaces or even flexible and adaptable units for canteens, reception areas and many other uses. We offer a great standard range of shipping containers for hire which usually suits most requirements, however we have an in house specialist team that can provide container conversions from single or multi-storey and from a range of sizes, colours, branding and interior fitting.

All of our high quality products are open to both the trade and general public and we are confident we can fulfil your requirements with the right solution and service package.

Shipping Container Conversions

Universal Containers is a market leader when it comes to container conversions and can turn your idea into a working reality. We have been converting ISO shipping containers into anything from portable cafes to showrooms for our clients. With over 20 years of experience converting containers we have pretty much seen and done it all. However, we still fully understand that every customer is different, with different needs. This understanding paired with our outstanding customer service is what sets us apart from our competition. Whether you require a container conversion for storage purposes or an extra office we can supply whatever you need with a vast selection of bespoke features to go with your conversion.

Already have an idea for a container conversion? If so our team are fully experienced, dedicated and ready to discuss your needs to find the perfect solution at the most competitive price. No matter what the shape or size, Universal Containers will modify and install to any customer specification. With our in-house CAD design team, there is no need for you to provide your own drawings we take your initial idea and work it through to a finished project. We even have specialist partners to provide structural steel calculations.

Our Testimonials

I live on the East coast of Lincolnshire. Universal Containers is nearly 150 miles away from where I live. I wanted to choose an office container conversion and have it delivered over 400 miles, a 3-hour ferry trip and then 25 miles to a property down a rough track in the Outer Hebrides. All this without me going to see the finished container or be present when it would be collected and delivered. Sounds like a risky nightmare? Well, no. First I talked to Andy over the phone and got an idea of the design options and a rough idea of costs. I was then sent a diagram to record the design I wanted. This was checked with me, and once finalised, I was given a clear cost and a ready-for-collection date. Although I chose my own haulier for collection and delivery, Universal Containers were happy to co-operate and reassured me that they could get a competitive quote if my arrangements fell through. So the container conversion was finished exactly on time, Andy sent me detailed pics of the finished product before it was dispatched, and now it sits on site in the Outer Hebrides.

Mike Harry

I needed a used 10x8x8'6 container with lock box and painted green, delivered. I live in the north of England and so obtained 19 quotes from local suppliers for the spec described. Universal containers came in at number 1. Communication and the payment was swift and simple thanks to Charlie Eyles in their admin office and the container was delivered quickly without fuss. As for the container, its perfect and looks like new painted inside and out. You've only got to look at universals website to realise they are not some back street cheap sales company. They are indeed a professional business supplying top quality containers at the best price! Thank you to all at Universal, and best wishes for the future!

Dave Tye

Just can’t say enough about the service we have received from your company. Nothing is too much trouble. Everything well planned and prepared to our requirements. Delivery on time and all went to plan. Thanks to CARL & Charlie.

Good job well done 5 stars to all.

Ken Morrison

United Utilities have used Universal Containers for a number of years to supply everything from basic containers to full bespoke office builds, Andrew Rushton (R&D Sales Manager) has always offered a high standard of service, the products we have received have always impressed. We have always found Universal to be reliable and competitive, when we’ve given them a challenging build they have proven to be flexible and creative. We look forward to dealing with Andrew & Universal in the years to come.

Support Service Manager

Britannia Hotels and Pontins have used Universal for many years for the supply of containers and other logistical needs. We keep going back to them because they combine friendly and efficient service with competitive prices.

With around 60 busy Hotels and Holiday Parks to look after we can’t afford to leave things to chance and we know we can rely on Universal to find quick and cost effective solutions when the pressure is on.

Group Procurement Manager

I’m always impressed with the service we receive from Universal, Andy Rushton (Sales Manager) always listens carefully and gets very quickly what we require. The team respond to questions almost immediately and address problems very effectively. They are really easy to work with and seem to appreciate their customers. Universal make arranging my container/cabin needs allot easier.

Head of Plant and Transport

I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you for the time and effort you put into guiding us through the design and installation of our new changing rooms. By using 5 new interlinked cabins you were able to provide us with changing rooms and shower rooms for home and away teams, and officials, with adequate room for storage, a kitchen and public toilets. The cabins are fit out to a very high standard. We were able to do this with your help and come in on budget and on time.

The employees who came to install the cabins did a first class job in the coldest of weather, and left the changing rooms clean, no doubt having to wash down the floors before leaving. Once again many thanks and we would recommend you without hesitation.